International Journal of Molecular Sciences

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Editorial—Special Issue “Nutraceuticals in Human Health and Disease”

by Leticia M. Estevinho

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2018, 19(4), 1213; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms19041213 - 17 Apr 2018

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3333

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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutraceuticals in Human Health and Disease)

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17 pages, 7821 KiB

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Oxymatrine Inhibits Influenza A Virus Replication and Inflammation via TLR4, p38 MAPK and NF-κB Pathways

by Jian-Ping Dai, Qian-Wen Wang, Yun Su, Li-Ming Gu, Hui-Xiong Deng, Xiao-Xuan Chen, Wei-Zhong Li and Kang-Sheng Li

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2018, 19(4), 965; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms19040965 - 23 Mar 2018

Cited by 60 | Viewed by 7198

Abstract

Oxymatrine (OMT) is a strong immunosuppressive agent that has been used in the clinic for many years. In the present study, by using plaque inhibition, luciferase reporter plasmids, qRT-PCR, western blotting, and ELISA assays, we have investigated the effect and mechanism of OMT [...] Read more.

Oxymatrine (OMT) is a strong immunosuppressive agent that has been used in the clinic for many years. In the present study, by using plaque inhibition, luciferase reporter plasmids, qRT-PCR, western blotting, and ELISA assays, we have investigated the effect and mechanism of OMT on influenza A virus (IAV) replication and IAV-induced inflammation in vitro and in vivo. The results showed that OMT had excellent anti-IAV activity on eight IAV strains in vitro. OMT could significantly decrease the promoter activity of TLR3, TLR4, TLR7, MyD88, and TRAF6 genes, inhibit IAV-induced activations of Akt, ERK1/2, p38 MAPK, and NF-κB pathways, and suppress the expressions of inflammatory cytokines and MMP-2/-9. Activators of TLR4, p38 MAPK and NF-κB pathways could significantly antagonize the anti-IAV activity of OMT in vitro, including IAV replication and IAV-induced cytopathogenic effect (CPE). Furthermore, OMT could reduce the loss of body weight, significantly increase the survival rate of IAV-infected mice, decrease the lung index, pulmonary inflammation and lung viral titter, and improve pulmonary histopathological changes. In conclusion, OMT possesses anti-IAV and anti-inflammatory activities, the mechanism of action may be linked to its ability to inhibit IAV-induced activations of TLR4, p38 MAPK, and NF-κB pathways. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutraceuticals in Human Health and Disease)

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13 pages, 2515 KiB

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Dietary Quercetin Attenuates Adipose Tissue Expansion and Inflammation and Alters Adipocyte Morphology in a Tissue-Specific Manner

by Laura A. Forney, Natalie R. Lenard, Laura K. Stewart and Tara M. Henagan

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2018, 19(3), 895; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms19030895 - 17 Mar 2018

Cited by 55 | Viewed by 9180

Abstract

Chronic inflammation in adipose tissue may contribute to depot-specific adipose tissue expansion, leading to obesity and insulin resistance. Dietary supplementation with quercetin or botanical extracts containing quercetin attenuates high fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity and insulin resistance and decreases inflammation. Here, we determined the [...] Read more.

Chronic inflammation in adipose tissue may contribute to depot-specific adipose tissue expansion, leading to obesity and insulin resistance. Dietary supplementation with quercetin or botanical extracts containing quercetin attenuates high fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity and insulin resistance and decreases inflammation. Here, we determined the effects of quercetin and red onion extract (ROE) containing quercetin on subcutaneous (inguinal, IWAT) vs. visceral (epididymal, EWAT) white adipose tissue morphology and inflammation in mice fed low fat, high fat, high fat plus 50 μg/day quercetin or high fat plus ROE containing 50 μg/day quercetin equivalents for 9 weeks. Quercetin and ROE similarly ameliorated HFD-induced increases in adipocyte size and decreases in adipocyte number in IWAT and EWAT. Furthermore, quercetin and ROE induced alterations in adipocyte morphology in IWAT. Quercetin and ROE similarly decreased HFD-induced IWAT inflammation. However, quercetin and red onion differentially affected HFD-induced EWAT inflammation, with quercetin decreasing and REO increasing inflammatory marker gene expression. Quercetin and REO also differentially regulated circulating adipokine levels. These results show that quercetin or botanical extracts containing quercetin induce white adipose tissue remodeling which may occur through inflammatory-related mechanisms. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutraceuticals in Human Health and Disease)

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18 pages, 5011 KiB

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Evaluation of Anti-Metastatic Potential of the Combination of Fisetin with Paclitaxel on A549 Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Cells

by Anna Klimaszewska-Wiśniewska, Marta Hałas-Wiśniewska, Alina Grzanka and Dariusz Grzanka

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2018, 19(3), 661; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms19030661 - 27 Feb 2018

Cited by 27 | Viewed by 5785

Abstract

The identification and development of new agents with a therapeutic potential as well as novel drug combinations are gaining the attention of scientists and clinicians as a plausible approach to improve therapeutic regimens for chemoresistant tumors. We have recently reported that the flavonoid [...] Read more.

The identification and development of new agents with a therapeutic potential as well as novel drug combinations are gaining the attention of scientists and clinicians as a plausible approach to improve therapeutic regimens for chemoresistant tumors. We have recently reported that the flavonoid fisetin (FIS), at physiologically attainable concentrations, acts synergistically with clinically achievable doses of paclitaxel (PTX) to produce growth inhibitory and pro-death effects on A549 human non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells. To further investigate a potential therapeutic efficacy of the combination of fisetin with paclitaxel, we decided to assess its impact on metastatic capability of A549 cells as well as its toxicity toward normal human lung fibroblast. Cell viability, cell migration, and invasion were measured by thiazolyl blue tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, wound healing assay, and Transwell chamber assay, respectively. The expression of metastasis-related genes was assessed with quantitative reverse transcriptase real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Actin and vimentin filaments were examined under the fluorescence microscope. The combination of FIS and PTX significantly reduced cancer cell migration and invasion, at least partially, through a marked rearrangement of actin and vimentin cytoskeleton and the modulation of metastasis-related genes. Most of these effects of the combination treatment were significantly greater than those of individual agents. Paclitaxel alone was even more toxic to normal cells than the combination of this drug with the flavonoid, suggesting that FIS may provide some protection against PTX-mediated cytotoxicity. The combination of FIS and PTX is expected to have a synergistic anticancer efficacy and a significant potential for the treatment of NSCLC, however, further in vitro and in vivo studies are required to confirm this preliminary evidence. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutraceuticals in Human Health and Disease)

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20 pages, 8027 KiB

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Effects of Acanthopanax senticosus on Brain Injury Induced by Simulated Spatial Radiation in Mouse Model Based on Pharmacokinetics and Comparative Proteomics

by Yingyu Zhou, Cuilin Cheng, Denis Baranenko, Jiaping Wang, Yongzhi Li and Weihong Lu

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2018, 19(1), 159; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms19010159 - 15 Jan 2018

Cited by 28 | Viewed by 5515

Abstract

The active compounds in Acanthopanax senticosus (AS) have different pharmacokinetic characteristics in mouse models. C_max and AUC of Acanthopanax senticosus polysaccharides (ASPS) were significantly reduced in radiation-injured mice, suggesting that the blood flow of mouse was blocked or slowed, due to the [...] Read more.

The active compounds in Acanthopanax senticosus (AS) have different pharmacokinetic characteristics in mouse models. C_max and AUC of Acanthopanax senticosus polysaccharides (ASPS) were significantly reduced in radiation-injured mice, suggesting that the blood flow of mouse was blocked or slowed, due to the pathological state of ischemia and hypoxia, which are caused by radiation. In contrast, the ability of various metabolizing enzymes to inactivate, capacity of biofilm transport decrease, and lessening of renal blood flow accounts for radiation, resulting in the accumulation of syringin and eleutheroside E in the irradiated mouse. Therefore, there were higher pharmacokinetic parameters—AUC, MRT, and t_1/2 of the two compounds in radiation-injured mouse, when compared with normal mouse. In order to investigate the intrinsic mechanism of AS on radiation injury, AS extract’s protective effects on brain, the main part of mouse that suffered from radiation, were explored. The function of AS extract in repressing expression changes of radiation response proteins in prefrontal cortex (PFC) of mouse brain included tubulin protein family (α-, β-tubulin subunits), dihydropyrimidinase-related protein 2 (CRMP2), γ-actin, 14-3-3 protein family (14-3-3ζ, ε), heat shock protein 90β (HSP90β), and enolase 2. The results demonstrated the AS extract had positive effects on nerve cells’ structure, adhesion, locomotion, fission, and phagocytosis, through regulating various action pathways, such as Hippo, phagosome, PI3K/Akt (phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase/protein kinase B), Neurotrophin, Rap1 (Ras-related protein RAP-1A), gap junction glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, and HIF-1 (Hypoxia-inducible factor 1) signaling pathways to maintain normal mouse neurological activity. All of the results indicated that AS may be a promising alternative medicine for the treatment of radiation injury in mouse brain. It would be tested that whether the bioactive ingredients of AS could be effective through the blood–brain barrier in the future. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutraceuticals in Human Health and Disease)

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The Beneficial Effects of Allicin in Chronic Kidney Disease Are Comparable to Losartan

by Ehécatl Miguel Ángel García Trejo, Abraham Said Arellano Buendía, Omegar Sánchez Reyes, Fernando Enrique García Arroyo, Raúl Arguello García, María Lilia Loredo Mendoza, Edilia Tapia, Laura Gabriela Sánchez Lozada and Horacio Osorio Alonso

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2017, 18(9), 1980; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms18091980 - 16 Sep 2017

Cited by 41 | Viewed by 8731

Abstract

Recent studies suggest that allicin may play a role in chronic kidney disease (CKD), reducing hypertension and oxidative stress and improving renal dysfunction. In the present study, CKD was induced by 5/6 nephrectomy and the animals were divided into four treatment groups as [...] Read more.

Recent studies suggest that allicin may play a role in chronic kidney disease (CKD), reducing hypertension and oxidative stress and improving renal dysfunction. In the present study, CKD was induced by 5/6 nephrectomy and the animals were divided into four treatment groups as follows: control (C), CKD, CKD+allicin (40 mg/kg pathway oral) (CKDA), and CKD+Losartan (20 mg/kg) (CKDL). After CKD induction, the rats developed hypertension from week 3 to the end of the study. This was associated with increased creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels in serum, increased albuminuria, increased urinary excretion of N-acetyl-β-d-glucosaminidase (NAG), increased nephrin expression, and incrased histological alterations in the cortex. The levels of angiotensin receptors and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) were decreased in the renal cortex from the CKD group. Otherwise, lipid and protein oxidation were higher in the CKD group than in the control group. A disturbance was observed in the expression levels of the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2/Kelch ECH associating protein 1 system (Nrf2/keap1) and the antioxidant enzymes catalase, superoxide dismutase, and heme oxygenase-1. Allicin or losartan treatments relieved renal dysfunction, hypertension, and oxidative stress. In addition, both treatments showed the same efficacy on the expression of angiotensin receptors, the nephrin, Nrf2/keap1 pathway, and eNOS. Further in silico analyses suggest that allicin and losartan could have a common mechanism involving interaction with AT1 receptors. Allicin showed antihypertensive, antioxidant, and nephroprotective effects. The beneficial effects showed by allicin are similar, or even better, than those of losartan. In fact, the effect of allicin on blood pressure and renal function is comparable to reductions seen with losartan, a prescription drug commonly used as a first-line therapy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutraceuticals in Human Health and Disease)

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Dietary Phenethyl Isothiocyanate Protects Mice from Colitis Associated Colon Cancer

by Yi Liu and Moul Dey

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2017, 18(9), 1908; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms18091908 - 6 Sep 2017

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 4682

Abstract

We have previously reported alleviation of dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced ulcerative colitis signs in phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC)-treated mice. Here we investigated chemoprotective activities of PEITC in mice with Azoxymethane-DSS induced colitis associated colon carcinogenesis. We also examined the molecular mediators associated with the [...] Read more.

We have previously reported alleviation of dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced ulcerative colitis signs in phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC)-treated mice. Here we investigated chemoprotective activities of PEITC in mice with Azoxymethane-DSS induced colitis associated colon carcinogenesis. We also examined the molecular mediators associated with the PEITC effects using relevant cell lines. A 0.12% PEITC-enriched mouse-diet reduced mucosal and submucosal inflammation as well as glandular atypia by 12% and the frequency of adenocarcinoma by 17% with a concomitant improvement in overall disease activity indices compared to the diseased control group. Lipopolysaccharide-induced in vitro up-regulation of key mediators of inflammation, immune response, apoptosis, and cell proliferation were attenuated by 10 μM PEITC. Three of these mediators showed concentration-dependent reduction in respective mRNAs. Furthermore, PEITC inhibited Nuclear factor kappa B1 (NFκB1) proteins in a concentration-dependent manner. The NFκB1 mRNA expression inversely correlated (r = −0.940, p = 0.013) with tri-methylation of lysine 27 on histone 3 near its promoter region in a time-dependent manner. These results indicate that PEITC may slow down the development of colon carcinogenesis in an inflammatory intestinal setting which is potentially associated with epigenetic modulation of NFκB1 signaling. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutraceuticals in Human Health and Disease)

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Effects of a New Nutraceutical Formulation (Berberine, Red Yeast Rice and Chitosan) on Non-HDL Cholesterol Levels in Individuals with Dyslipidemia: Results from a Randomized, Double Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study

by Valentina Spigoni, Raffaella Aldigeri, Monica Antonini, Maria Maddalena Micheli, Federica Fantuzzi, Andrea Fratter, Marzia Pellizzato, Eleonora Derlindati, Ivana Zavaroni, Riccardo C. Bonadonna and Alessandra Dei Cas

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2017, 18(7), 1498; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms18071498 - 12 Jul 2017

Cited by 47 | Viewed by 9698

Abstract

Increased non high-density lipoprotein (HDL)/low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels are independent risk factors for cardiovascular (CV) mortality with no documented threshold. A new combination of nutraceuticals (berberine 200 mg, monacolin K 3 mg, chitosan 10 mg and coenzyme Q 10 mg) with additive [...] Read more.

Increased non high-density lipoprotein (HDL)/low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels are independent risk factors for cardiovascular (CV) mortality with no documented threshold. A new combination of nutraceuticals (berberine 200 mg, monacolin K 3 mg, chitosan 10 mg and coenzyme Q 10 mg) with additive lipid-lowering properties has become available. The aim of the study is to test the efficacy of the nutraceutical formulation (one daily) in lowering non-HDL cholesterol vs. placebo at 12 weeks in individuals with non-HDL-cholesterol levels ≥160 mg/dL. 39 subjects (age 52 ± 11 years; 54% females; body mass index 27 ± 4 kg/m²) were randomized (3:1) in a double blind phase II placebo-controlled study. At baseline, 4 and 12 weeks main clinical/biohumoral parameters, pro-inflammatory cytokines, (gut)-hormones, proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) levels and endothelial progenitor cell (EPC) number were assessed. Baseline characteristics were comparable in the two groups. The intervention significantly decreased non-HDL cholesterol (−30 ± 20 mg/dL; p = 0.012), LDL cholesterol (−31 ± 18 mg/dL, p = 0.011) and apolipoprotein (Apo) B (−14 ± 12 mg/dL, p = 0.030) levels compared to the placebo. Pro-inflammatory, hormonal, PCSK9 and EPC levels remained stable throughout the study in both groups. The intervention was well tolerated. Three adverse events occurred: Epstein Barr virus infection, duodenitis and asymptomatic but significant increase in creatine phosphokinase (following intense physical exercise) which required hospitalization. The tested nutraceutical formulation may represent a possible therapeutic strategy in dyslipidemic individuals in primary prevention. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutraceuticals in Human Health and Disease)

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Ficus umbellata Vahl. (Moraceae) Stem Bark Extracts Exert Antitumor Activities In Vitro and In Vivo

by Kevine Kamga Silihe, Stéphane Zingue, Evelyn Winter, Charline Florence Awounfack, Anupam Bishayee, Nishil N. Desai, Leônidas João Mello, Jr., Thomas Michel, Francine Nzufo Tankeu, Derek Tantoh Ndinteh, Sara Honorine Riwom, Dieudonné Njamen and Tânia Beatriz Creczynski-Pasa

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2017, 18(6), 1073; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms18061073 - 23 May 2017

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 6008

Abstract

A Ficus umbellata is used to treat cancer. The present work was therefore designed to assess antitumor potentials of F. umbellata extracts in nine different cell lines. Cell cycle, apoptosis, cell migration/invasion, levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), caspases [...] Read more.

A Ficus umbellata is used to treat cancer. The present work was therefore designed to assess antitumor potentials of F. umbellata extracts in nine different cell lines. Cell cycle, apoptosis, cell migration/invasion, levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), caspases activities as well as Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL protein content were assessed in MDA-MB-231 cells. The 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA)-induced carcinogenesis in rats were also used to investigate antitumor potential of F. umbellata extracts. The F. umbellata methanol extract exhibited a CC₅₀ of 180 μg/mL in MDA-MB-231 cells after 24 h. It induced apoptosis in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells, while it did not alter their cell cycle phases. Further, it induced a decrease in MMP, an increase in ROS levels and caspases activities as well as a downregulation in Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL protein contents in MDA-MB-231 cells. In vivo, F. umbellata aqueous (200 mg/kg) and methanol (50 mg/kg) extracts significantly (p < 0.001) reduced ovarian tumor incidence (10%), total tumor burden (58% and 46%, respectively), average tumor weight (57.8% and 45.6%, respectively) as compared to DMBA control group. These results suggest antitumor potential of F. umbellata constituents possibly due to apoptosis induction mediated through ROS-dependent mitochondrial pathway. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutraceuticals in Human Health and Disease)

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Chemical Profile and Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, Antimutagenic and Antimicrobial Activities of Geopropolis from the Stingless Bee Melipona orbignyi

by Helder Freitas dos Santos, Jaqueline Ferreira Campos, Cintia Miranda dos Santos, José Benedito Perrella Balestieri, Denise Brentan Silva, Carlos Alexandre Carollo, Kely De Picoli Souza, Leticia Miranda Estevinho and Edson Lucas Dos Santos

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2017, 18(5), 953; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms18050953 - 3 May 2017

Cited by 48 | Viewed by 7963

Abstract

Geopropolis is a resin mixed with mud, produced only by stingless bees. Despite being popularly known for its medicinal properties, few scientific studies have proven its biological activities. In this context, the objective of this study was to determine the chemical composition and [...] Read more.

Geopropolis is a resin mixed with mud, produced only by stingless bees. Despite being popularly known for its medicinal properties, few scientific studies have proven its biological activities. In this context, the objective of this study was to determine the chemical composition and antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimutagenic and antimicrobial activities of the Melipona orbignyi geopropolis. The hydroalcoholic extract of geopropolis (HEGP) was prepared and its chemical composition determined by high performance liquid chromatography coupled to diode array detector and mass spectrometry (HPLC-DAD-MS). The antioxidant activity was determined by the capture of free radicals and inhibition of lipid peroxidation in human erythrocytes. The anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated by the inhibition of the hyaluronidase enzyme and the antimutagenic action was investigated in Saccharomyces cerevisiae colonies. The antimicrobial activities were determined against bacteria and yeasts, isolated from reference strains and hospital origin. The chemical composition of HEGP included flavonoids, derivatives of glycosylated phenolic acids and terpenoids. HEGP showed high antioxidant activity, it inhibited the activity of the inflammatory enzyme hyaluronidase and reduced the mutagenic effects in S. cerevisiae. In relation to the antimicrobial activity, it promoted the death of all microorganisms evaluated. In conclusion, this study reveals for the first time the chemical composition of the HEGP of M. orbignyi and demonstrates its pharmacological properties. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutraceuticals in Human Health and Disease)

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Chemical Composition and Biological Activities of Mono- and Heterofloral Bee Pollen of Different Geographical Origins

by Jucilene Silva Araújo, Emerson Dechechi Chambó, Maria Angélica Pereira de Carvalho Costa, Samira Maria Peixoto Cavalcante da Silva, Carlos Alfredo Lopes de Carvalho and Leticia M. Estevinho

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2017, 18(5), 921; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms18050921 - 27 Apr 2017

Cited by 61 | Viewed by 6896

Abstract

Recent research shows variations in pollen chemical constituents and, consequently, in their therapeutic properties. Mono and multifloral bee pollen extracts were investigated for antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory activity properties, phenolic compounds and fatty acid composition. Generally, Eucalyptus spp. and multifloral extracts exhibited potent [...] Read more.

Recent research shows variations in pollen chemical constituents and, consequently, in their therapeutic properties. Mono and multifloral bee pollen extracts were investigated for antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory activity properties, phenolic compounds and fatty acid composition. Generally, Eucalyptus spp. and multifloral extracts exhibited potent inhibitory activity against α-amylase, acetylcholinesterase, tyrosinase, lipoxygenase, lipase and hyaluronidase. On the other hand, Miconia spp. demonstrated higher antihemolytic activity. Cocos nucifera and Miconia spp. extracts exhibited important antioxidant properties in the different assays (ABTS, DPPH, β-carotene/linoleic acid and reducing power). Moreover, these extracts had greater amounts of total phenols and flavonoids in comparison to others. The increase in antioxidant activity (decrease in EC₅₀ values) was accompanied by an increase in the amount of total phenols in the extracts. The pollen extracts contained linoleic acid and α-linolenic acid as major fatty acids, followed by palmitic acid, and oleic acid. In this study, differences were observed in both chemical constituents and biological activities of the samples related to the geographical and botanical origin of bee pollen. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutraceuticals in Human Health and Disease)

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Analytical Evaluation and Antioxidant Properties of Some Secondary Metabolites in Northern Italian Mono- and Multi-Varietal Extra Virgin Olive Oils (EVOOs) from Early and Late Harvested Olives

by Domenico Trombetta, Antonella Smeriglio, Daniele Marcoccia, Salvatore Vincenzo Giofrè, Giovanni Toscano, Fabio Mazzotti, Angelo Giovanazzi and Stefano Lorenzetti

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2017, 18(4), 797; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms18040797 - 11 Apr 2017

Cited by 25 | Viewed by 4847

Abstract

The antioxidant activity and the phenolic and α-tocopherol content of 10 Northern Italian mono- and multi-varietal extra virgin olive oils (EVOOs), after early and late olive harvests, was analyzed. A hierarchical cluster analysis was used to evaluate sample similarity. Secoiridoids (SIDs), lignans and [...] Read more.

The antioxidant activity and the phenolic and α-tocopherol content of 10 Northern Italian mono- and multi-varietal extra virgin olive oils (EVOOs), after early and late olive harvests, was analyzed. A hierarchical cluster analysis was used to evaluate sample similarity. Secoiridoids (SIDs), lignans and flavonoids were the most abundant phenolic compounds identified. The organic Casaliva (among mono-cultivar) and the organic multi-varietal (among blended oils) EVOOs had the higher total phenol content both in early (263.13 and 326.19 mg/kg, respectively) and late harvest (241.88 and 292.34 mg/kg, respectively) conditions. In comparison to late harvest EVOOs, early harvest EVOOs, in particular the organic mono-cultivar Casaliva, showed both higher antioxidant capacity (up to 1285.97 Oxygen Radicals Absorbance Capacity/ORAC units), probably due to the higher SID fraction (54% vs. 40%), and higher α-tocopherol content (up to 280.67 mg/kg). Overall, these results suggest that SIDs and α-tocopherol mainly contribute to antioxidant properties of the studied EVOOs. In light of this, the authors conclude that early harvest, organic mono-cultivar Casaliva EVOO represents the most interesting candidate to explicate healthy effects ascribed to these functional constituents, particularly regarding oxidative stress-related pathologies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutraceuticals in Human Health and Disease)

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Evaluation of the Effects of Mesoglycan on Some Markers of Endothelial Damage and Walking Distance in Diabetic Patients with Peripheral Arterial Disease

by Derosa Giuseppe, D’Angelo Angela, Davide Romano and Maffioli Pamela

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2017, 18(3), 572; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms18030572 - 6 Mar 2017

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 4408

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the variation of some parameters involved in peripheral artery disease progression in diabetic patients with peripheral artery disease after six months of mesoglycan. We enrolled 64 Caucasian, type 2 diabetic patients, with stage IIa peripheral [...] Read more.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the variation of some parameters involved in peripheral artery disease progression in diabetic patients with peripheral artery disease after six months of mesoglycan. We enrolled 64 Caucasian, type 2 diabetic patients, with stage IIa peripheral artery disease. They were randomized to mesoglycan (Prisma^®), 50 mg twice a day, or placebo, for six months. We evaluated: glycemic control, metalloproteinase-2, and -9 (MMP-2, and -9), soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1), soluble vascular cell adhesion protein-1 (sVCAM-1), interleukin-6 (IL-6), soluble E-selectin (sE-selectin), high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1). We recorded a decrease of MMP-2, MMP-9, sE-selectin, TNF-α, sVCAM-1, and IL-6 compared to baseline, and to placebo in the group treated with mesoglycan. Regarding sICAM-1, and hs-CRP, instead, we recorded a decrease with mesoglycan only compared to baseline. Preliminary results seem to suggest an improvement of pain free walking distance with mesoglycan in 18 patients both compared to baseline and to placebo, even if data should be taken cautiously. Our study showed that supplementation with mesoglycan improved endothelial dysfunction in type 2 diabetic patients with peripheral artery disease. Regarding the preliminary data suggesting also a slight improvement of clinical parameters such as pain free walking distance, more data and a bigger sample of patients are necessary to better verify this aspect. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutraceuticals in Human Health and Disease)

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Soy-Leaf Extract Exerts Atheroprotective Effects via Modulation of Krüppel-Like Factor 2 and Adhesion Molecules

by Jong-Min Han, Hua Li, Moon-Hee Cho, Seung-Hwa Baek, Chul-Ho Lee, Ho-Yong Park and Tae-Sook Jeong

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2017, 18(2), 373; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms18020373 - 10 Feb 2017

Cited by 25 | Viewed by 4860

Abstract

Soy-leaf extracts exert their cardioprotective effects by inducing endothelium-dependent vasodilation in the arteries, and they favorably modulate the serum lipid profile. In this study, we investigated the atheroprotective effects of an ethanol extract of soy leaf (ESL) in human umbilical vein endothelial cells [...] Read more.

Soy-leaf extracts exert their cardioprotective effects by inducing endothelium-dependent vasodilation in the arteries, and they favorably modulate the serum lipid profile. In this study, we investigated the atheroprotective effects of an ethanol extract of soy leaf (ESL) in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and high-cholesterol diet (HCD)-fed low-density lipoprotein receptor deficient (LDLR−/−) mice. ESL induced the expression of Krüppel-like factor 2 (KLF2), an endothelial transcription factor, and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), and suppressed the expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) through moderate inflammatory signal activation, not only in tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)-stimulated HUVECs but also in 7-ketocholesterol (7-KC)-stimulated HUVECs. ESL supplementation reduced aortic lesion formation in Western diet-fed LDLR−/− mice by 46% (p < 0.01) compared to the HCD group. ESL also markedly decreased the aortic expression levels of VCAM-1, ICAM-1, monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP-9), and fractalkine, while the expression of KLF2 was significantly increased. These results suggest that ESL supplementation has potential for preventing HCD-induced atherosclerosis effectively. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutraceuticals in Human Health and Disease)

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Antioxidant and Cytoprotective Activities of Fucus spiralis Seaweed on a Human Cell in Vitro Model

by Susete Pinteus, Joana Silva, Celso Alves, André Horta, Olivier P. Thomas and Rui Pedrosa

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2017, 18(2), 292; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms18020292 - 29 Jan 2017

Cited by 29 | Viewed by 6143

Abstract

Antioxidants play an important role as Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) chelating agents and, therefore, the screening for potent antioxidants from natural sources as potential protective agents is of great relevance. The main aim of this study was to obtain antioxidant-enriched fractions from the [...] Read more.

Antioxidants play an important role as Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) chelating agents and, therefore, the screening for potent antioxidants from natural sources as potential protective agents is of great relevance. The main aim of this study was to obtain antioxidant-enriched fractions from the common seaweed Fucus spiralis and evaluate their activity and efficiency in protecting human cells (MCF-7 cells) on an oxidative stress condition induced by H₂O₂. Five fractions, F1–F5, were obtained by reversed-phase vacuum liquid chromatography. F3, F4 and F5 revealed the highest phlorotannin content, also showing the strongest antioxidant effects. The cell death induced by H₂O₂ was reduced by all fractions following the potency order F4 > F2 > F3 > F5 > F1. Only fraction F4 completely inhibited the H₂O₂ effect. To understand the possible mechanisms of action of these fractions, the cellular production of H₂O₂, the mitochondrial membrane potential and the caspase 9 activity were studied. Fractions F3 and F4 presented the highest reduction on H₂O₂ cell production. All fractions decreased both caspase-9 activity and cell membrane depolarization (except F1). Taken all together, the edible F. spiralis reveal that they provide protection against oxidative stress induced by H₂O₂ on the human MCF-7 cellular model, probably acting as upstream blockers of apoptosis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutraceuticals in Human Health and Disease)

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Open AccessArticle

Sailuotong Prevents Hydrogen Peroxide (H₂O₂)-Induced Injury in EA.hy926 Cells

by Sai Wang Seto, Dennis Chang, Wai Man Ko, Xian Zhou, Hosen Kiat, Alan Bensoussan, Simon M. Y. Lee, Maggie P. M. Hoi, Genevieve Z. Steiner and Jianxun Liu

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2017, 18(1), 95; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms18010095 - 5 Jan 2017

Cited by 28 | Viewed by 8783

Abstract

Sailuotong (SLT) is a standardised three-herb formulation consisting of Panax ginseng, Ginkgo biloba, and Crocus sativus designed for the management of vascular dementia. While the latest clinical trials have demonstrated beneficial effects of SLT in vascular dementia, the underlying cellular mechanisms [...] Read more.

Sailuotong (SLT) is a standardised three-herb formulation consisting of Panax ginseng, Ginkgo biloba, and Crocus sativus designed for the management of vascular dementia. While the latest clinical trials have demonstrated beneficial effects of SLT in vascular dementia, the underlying cellular mechanisms have not been fully explored. The aim of this study was to assess the ability and mechanisms of SLT to act against hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂)-induced oxidative damage in cultured human vascular endothelial cells (EAhy926). SLT (1–50 µg/mL) significantly suppressed the H₂O₂-induced cell death and abolished the H₂O₂-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in a concentration-dependent manner. Similarly, H₂O₂ (0.5 mM; 24 h) caused a ~2-fold increase in lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release from the EA.hy926 cells which were significantly suppressed by SLT (1–50 µg/mL) in a concentration-dependent manner. Incubation of SLT (50 µg/mL) increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and suppressed the H₂O₂-enhanced Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and cleaved caspase-3 expression. In conclusion, our results suggest that SLT protects EA.hy916 cells against H₂O₂-mediated injury via direct reduction of intracellular ROS generation and an increase in SOD activity. These protective effects are closely associated with the inhibition of the apoptotic death cascade via the suppression of caspase-3 activation and reduction of Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, thereby indicating a potential mechanism of action for the clinical effects observed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutraceuticals in Human Health and Disease)

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Open AccessArticle

Pro- and Antioxidant Activity of Three Selected Flavan Type Flavonoids: Catechin, Eriodictyol and Taxifolin

by Vladimir Chobot, Franz Hadacek, Gert Bachmann, Wolfram Weckwerth and Lenka Kubicova

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2016, 17(12), 1986; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms17121986 - 26 Nov 2016

Cited by 44 | Viewed by 6653

Abstract

The flavanol (±)-catechin shows an OH group but no 4-keto group on ring C (C3), and no conjugation between ring A and B. The related flavanone (+)-eriodictyol has a keto group on C4 but no 3-OH group on ring C. (+)-Taxifolin, another flavanone, [...] Read more.

The flavanol (±)-catechin shows an OH group but no 4-keto group on ring C (C3), and no conjugation between ring A and B. The related flavanone (+)-eriodictyol has a keto group on C4 but no 3-OH group on ring C. (+)-Taxifolin, another flavanone, has an OH on C3 and a keto group on C4 of the C ring. Deoxyribose degradation assay systems, with hydrogen peroxide and ascorbic acid either added or omitted, were performed in variants in which Fe(III) was added in a complex with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). In combination with differential pulse voltammetry (DVP), the specific redox-chemical contributions of the ring A m-dihydroxyl groups could be explored more specifically in addition to those of the traditionally investigated o-dihydroxyl groups of ring B. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutraceuticals in Human Health and Disease)

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Review

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Molecular Mechanisms and Pathways as Targets for Cancer Prevention and Progression with Dietary Compounds

by Nagisa Nosrati, Marica Bakovic and Gopinadhan Paliyath

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2017, 18(10), 2050; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms18102050 - 25 Sep 2017

Cited by 63 | Viewed by 8466

Abstract

A unique feature of bioactive food ingredients is their broad antioxidant function. Antioxidants having a wide spectrum of chemical structure and activity beyond basic nutrition; display different health benefits by the prevention and progression of chronic diseases. Functional food components are capable of [...] Read more.

A unique feature of bioactive food ingredients is their broad antioxidant function. Antioxidants having a wide spectrum of chemical structure and activity beyond basic nutrition; display different health benefits by the prevention and progression of chronic diseases. Functional food components are capable of enhancing the natural antioxidant defense system by scavenging reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, protecting and repairing DNA damage, as well as modulating the signal transduction pathways and gene expression. Major pathways affected by bioactive food ingredients include the pro-inflammatory pathways regulated by nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), as well as those associated with cytokines and chemokines. The present review summarizes the importance of plant bioactives and their roles in the regulation of inflammatory pathways. Bioactives influence several physiological processes such as gene expression, cell cycle regulation, cell proliferation, cell migration, etc., resulting in cancer prevention. Cancer initiation is associated with changes in metabolic pathways such as glucose metabolism, and the effect of bioactives in normalizing this process has been provided. Initiation and progression of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) which increase the chances of developing of colorectal cancers can be downregulated by plant bioactives. Several aspects of the potential roles of microRNAs and epigenetic modifications in the development of cancers have also been presented. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutraceuticals in Human Health and Disease)

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